The single mother explained that she sticks to some tips and tricks to ensure that she stays within her budget of £190.
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Firstly, she has a hunt at what she has already, and works out a meal plan with what she’s got.
“I also have a deep clean in the fridge and cupboards,” she added in her TikTok slideshow.
“This makes it visually easier to see what I’m low on. I also get rid of anything out of date.”
This is where the photographs come in handy – she takes pictures to see what she needs when she’s planning the meals.
Read more Budgeting stories
“I just change it up depending on what me and the kids want,” she said.
“But meal planning is the most important thing if you want to stick to this budget.”
As for where she shops, she’s currently using Sainsbury’s, and said it’s
“working out pretty cheap, especially with Nectar prices”.
She cuts up fruit and puts it in plastic boxes to keep it fresh, and then bakes as much as she can to keep the cost of snacks down.
The only other food expenditures she has is around £15 weekly, as she tops up with fresh fruit and vegetables, bread and milk.
People were quick to comment on her post, with one writing: “I spend £200 a week on fresh foods meet household bits don’t get how people spend so little.”
“I used to spend a lot also but I literally meal plan everything now,” she replied.
“It’s saved me loads!”
“Do you buy branded or home brands? or whatever is cheapest?” another asked.
“I do all this and still spend £100-110 a week on 2 adults and a baby!”
As the savvy mum responded: “Most of my shop is home brands I only buy branded if there’s a really good deal”.
Ways to spend less in a supermarket
Grocery inflation means we’re all feeling the pinch but shopping with these points in mind could save you hundreds of pounds a year:
- Avoid shopping at convenience stores – they charge more
- Ask in-store at what times in the day are fresh food items reduced
- Freeze yellow sticker items where you can
- Plan meals ahead
- Try own-label of budget brand alternatives
- Use unit pricings to find the best deals
Visit Which? to find out more.
“I spend £120 a week at Tesco also do meal planning for the week and I seem to run out half way through the week,” a third commented.
“Will definitely be looking at Sainsbury’s.”
“I’ve switched from Aldi to Sainsbury’s because I’m finding it the cheapest and good quality,” the mum replied.
“They’ve also got Nectar deals.”
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